Xi and Modi Pledge to Strengthen China-India Relations at SCO Summit
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, agreeing to enhance bilateral ties and resolve border disputes.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, marking Modi's first visit to China since 2018. The leaders agreed to view each other as partners rather than rivals and committed to resolving longstanding border disputes.
Xi emphasized that China and India are each other's development opportunities rather than threats, advocating for a cooperative relationship. Modi highlighted the importance of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity in advancing bilateral ties, noting that cooperation between the two nations is vital for the welfare of their combined 2.8 billion people.
The meeting also addressed economic collaboration, with both leaders discussing strategies to reduce India's trade deficit with China and enhance trade and investment. They agreed to resume direct flights and ease visa restrictions to facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
The SCO summit, attended by over 20 world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, provided a platform for China and India to reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism and regional stability. Xi called for resisting a 'Cold War mentality' and promoting fairness and justice in international relations.